U.S. patent application number 10/626817 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for insect trap.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sterling International Inc.. Invention is credited to Schneidmiller, Rodney G..
Application Number | 20050028429 10/626817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115718 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050028429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneidmiller, Rodney G. |
February 10, 2005 |
Insect trap
Abstract
A trap (10) for insects, vermin, and similar subjects is
described. The trap includes a container (12) having a volume (26),
an opening (28) into the volume, and a whisker assembly (14). The
whisker assembly is located at the opening and extends into the
volume, allowing subjects to enter the volume, but not exit the
volume. In one embodiment, the whisker assembly includes a
plurality of nonmetal flexible strands (30) arranged in a conical
manner. The bases of the strands are located at the opening. The
tips of the strands are located near one another. In another
embodiment, the container has a top portion (20) and a bottom
portion (22). The bottom portion includes the volume and the
opening. A light assembly (18) is attached to the top portion,
directly adjacent the opening in the bottom portion, and includes
an LED that emits blue light onto the opening.
Inventors: |
Schneidmiller, Rodney G.;
(Greenacres, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Assignee: |
Sterling International Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34115718 |
Appl. No.: |
10/626817 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 2200/012 20130101;
A01M 1/02 20130101; A01M 1/106 20130101; A01M 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
043/065 |
International
Class: |
A01M 023/08 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A trap for insects and similar subjects, the trap comprising:
(a) a container having a volume with a first opening; (b) a whisker
assembly located at the opening and including a plurality of
flexible strands that extend into the volume; (c) a light assembly
attached to the container, the light assembly including at least
one light bulb positioned at a location to direct light onto the
strands; and (d) a chemical attractant located within the volume;
wherein, during use, the light bulb attracts and draws a subject to
the trap and the chemical attractant further lures the subject into
the volume, the arrangement of the whisker assembly allowing the
subject to enter the volume, but not easily exit the volume.
2. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are formed
from a luminous material.
3. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are formed
from a reflective material.
4. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are formed
from a light-conductive material.
5. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are made of a
material including at least one of polypropylene, Nylon, acrylic,
and ethylene vinyl acetate.
6. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are strands
having an average diameter in the range of about 0.05 mm to about
2.00 mm.
7. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands include base
ends located at the first opening and tip ends located near one
another, the tip ends defining a second opening that is smaller in
size than the first opening.
8. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the base of the strands
are arranged in a noncircular pattern.
9. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are the same
length, extending into the volume the same general distance
relative to one another.
10. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are of
varying lengths so that some strands extend into the volume farther
than others.
11. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are of a
length in the range of about 13 mm to about 150 mm.
12. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is
positioned in a first plane and the strands extend toward one
another at an angle in the range of about 15 degrees to about 45
degrees relative to the first plane.
13. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is
positioned in a first plane and the strands extend toward one
another at an angle less than about 90 degrees relative to the
first plane.
14. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are
positioned in a swirl pattern.
15. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the
tips of adjacent strands is in the range of about 1 mm to about 20
mm.
16. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the tips of adjacent
strands are in a noncontacting relationship.
17. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are formed
having multiple sections.
18. The trap according to claim 17, wherein the strands are formed
having a main stem and at least one inwardly oriented arm.
19. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the container has an
upper end; the volume being disposed opposite the upper end, and
the first opening being located between the upper end and the
volume.
20. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the container includes
separable top and bottom portions, the bottom portion including the
volume.
21. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the trap has a generally
ovoid shape.
22. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light
bulb is located near the opening of the container within a distance
of approximately 155 mm or less.
23. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the strands are formed
from a light conductive material and the at least one light bulb is
positioned at a location that directs light into the base of the
flexible strands.
24. The trap according to claim 23, wherein light travels through
the flexible stands and is visible at the tip ends of the
strands.
25. The trap according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of
strands are arranged so as to focus their light to a distant
point.
26. The trap according to claim 25, wherein the distant point is
located along the container.
27. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light
bulb includes a light-emitting diode that emits light having a
frequency in the range of about 380 to about 565 nanometers.
28. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light
bulb includes a monochromatic light-emitting diode that emits blue
light.
29. The trap according to claim 1, wherein the light assembly
further includes a photosensitive device arranged to cause the at
least one light bulb to illuminate during darkness and to turn off
during daylight.
30. A trap for light-sensitive insects, the trap comprising: (a) a
container defining a volume with an opening; (b) a whisker assembly
located at the opening and having a plurality of nonmetal flexible
strands that extend into the volume; (c) a light assembly attached
to the container adjacent the opening, the light assembly emitting
blue light; and (d) a chemical attractant located within the
volume; wherein the light assembly initially attracts the insect
toward the trap, the chemical attractant then lures the insect into
the volume, and the whisker assembly allows subjects to enter the
volume, but not exit the volume.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to fishing, trapping, and
vermin destroying; and, more particularly, to traps having an
entrance so made that, once an insect is inside, it is difficult
for the insect to return by that entrance.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various traps have been devised over the years to rid an
area of insect pests. Some of these traps contain poisons that are
inappropriate for use around children or in gardens that are
sensitive to even small amounts of pollutants. Other traps use a
light to attract and then electrocute an insect. While effective,
the associated sound is not pleasant, and the resulting debris must
be frequently collected. U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,165 describes an
insect trap that avoids both poisons and electrocution, but is for
use with larger insects, such as cockroaches. The '165 device has a
ring of interleaving wires surrounding an opening in a container.
Insects push aside the wires in one direction to enter the
container, but are prevented from escaping from the wires by going
in the reverse direction. While such a device is useful for insects
that are strong enough or heavy enough to push the interleaved
wires apart, it is ineffective for those insects, such as moths,
that are not.
[0003] Thus, a need exists for an insect trap that avoids poison
and electrocution, but is effective in collecting lighter subjects,
such as winged insects. The ideal device would have a one-way
entrance so that, once an insect is inside, it is difficult for the
insect to return by that entrance. Further, the device should be
useful in catching insects that are not particularly large, strong,
or heavy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is an insect trap having a container,
a whisker assembly, a light assembly, and a chemical attractant.
The container defines a volume. An opening connects regions
external to the trap with regions in the volume. The whisker
assembly is located at the opening and includes a plurality of
flexible strands that extend into the volume. The light assembly
includes one or more light bulbs to direct light onto the flexible
strands. The chemical attractant is located within the volume.
During use, the light bulb attracts and draws a subject to the trap
and the chemical attractant further lures the subject into the
volume. The arrangement of the whisker assembly allows the subject
to enter the volume, but not to easily exit the volume.
[0005] In accordance with aspects of this invention, there are many
different variations possible in the formation of the whisker
assembly. In one embodiment, the flexible strands are arranged in a
conical or frustoconical manner. In another embodiment, the
flexible strands are formed having multiple sections. There are
also multiple variations possible in the flexible strands used in
the whisker assembly. In preferred embodiments, the flexible
strands are made of a material that is readily bent, such as a
nonmetal material. In some embodiments, the flexible strands are
made from a luminous material, a reflective material, or a
light-conductive material. Example materials include polypropylene,
Nylon, acrylic, and ethylene vinyl acetate.
[0006] In accordance with other aspects of this invention, if using
light-conductive flexible strands, the light assembly can provide a
secondary light attractant at the tip ends of the strands. In
addition, arrangements may be made in which the strands direct the
light onto a distant surface, such as the container wall.
[0007] In accordance with further aspects of this invention, the
light assembly emits a blue light that is particularly useful for
trapping moths. The light assembly may also include an optional
photosensitive device arranged to turn the assembly on and off
according to whether it is daylight or night.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference
to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insect
trap formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2 and 3 are side views of alternative embodiments of a
whisker assembly formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of still further
embodiments of a whisker assembly formed in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trap
formed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0013] The present invention is an environmentally friendly trap 10
useful for catching insects, particularly winged insects, such as
moths. Various embodiments of this invention are described. In
general, the most desirable configuration will depend upon the
insect sought to be caught.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment useful for trapping moths.
The trap 10 includes a container 12, a whisker assembly 14, a
conventional (chemical) attractant 16 located within the container,
and a light assembly 18. The container 12 has separable top and
bottom portions, 20 and 22, respectively. The top portion 20 is
located at the container's upper end 24. The bottom portion 22
defines a volume 26. An opening 28 is located in the bottom portion
to provide a passageway between regions that are external to the
trap and regions that are internal to the volume 26.
[0015] The whisker assembly 14 is located at the opening 28 and
extends into the volume 26. The primary goal of the whisker
assembly is to allow subjects to enter the volume, but not exit the
volume. During use, the light assembly 18 attracts an insect to the
trap. Because light can travel much farther than a chemical
attractant alone, the trap is effective over a wide area. Once the
insect is near the trap, the insect picks up the scent of the
attractant. The moth moves toward the attractant by passing through
the whisker assembly 14 and into the volume 26.
[0016] In more detail and still referring to the embodiment of FIG.
1, the whisker assembly 14 includes a plurality of flexible strands
30 arranged in a conical manner. The placement of the tips of the
strands defines a second opening having a diameter less than the
wingspan of the insect. The base of the strands are connected to
the container at the opening 28. In this arrangement, the flexible
strands are integrally formed with the container. Alternatively, as
shown in FIGS. 2-4, the bases of the stands are affixed to a ring
32 that connects to the opening 28.
[0017] Referring back to FIG. 1, the tips of the strands are
located near one another, though in this arrangement, in a
noncontacting relation. The strands are made of a flexible
material, e.g., polypropylene, Nylon, acrylic, and ethylene vinyl
acetate. The strands should be flexible enough to allow the
particular desired subject to enter the volume, though stiff enough
to prohibit the subject from exiting the volume. The angle of the
cone will also affect the difficulty for the insect to escape. A
shallower angle (see FIG. 3) will increase the chances of the
strands bending inward if contacted, and hence working to keep the
insect trapped. A steeper slope (see FIG. 4) will have the opposite
effect. Similarly, a designer should consider the strands' ability
to flex according to the trapping needs of the target insect.
[0018] There are numerous other variations possible for the whisker
assembly that may be used and tailored to a particular insect. For
example, the strands may be the same length, with tip ends being
spaced in a tight, circular, noncontacting path. See FIG. 1. The
base of the strands could be oriented at an angle to give the
strands a swirled effect. See FIG. 1. The strands may be arranged
in a random, disorganized manner, with some strands contacting each
other and some not. See FIG. 2. The arrangement of FIG. 3 includes
strands that are of varying lengths and arranged to result in a
shallow overall cone height. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate whisker
assemblies having multisectioned strands 30. FIG. 4 has V-shaped
sections 31 attached end to end along each strand. The strands of
FIG. 5 have a main stem and one or more inwardly oriented arms 33.
In many embodiments, the preferred shape of the plurality of
flexible strands will be linear strands arranged in a conical or
frustoconical configuration, but a nonconical passage of curled or
kinked hair-like flexible strands could be made to work as
well.
[0019] Referring back to FIG. 1, the light assembly 18 includes one
or more light bulbs 40 attached to the top portion 20 of the
container 12, near the opening 28. As used herein, the term "light
bulb" means a device that is capable of emitting electromagnetic
radiation in the visible spectrum, e.g., incandescent, LED, LCD,
flame, etc. A preferred light bulb for use with moths is a
low-voltage LED that emits blue light. In general, bulbs that emit
light with a frequency in the range of about 380 to about 565
nanometers are of value in trapping moths. Still referring to FIG.
1, the light assembly 18 includes an optional photosensitive device
42 capable of turning the bulb off during daylight and turning the
bulb on at night. A battery 44 provides electric current.
[0020] The light assembly 18 is used to lure insects that are
attracted to light. In addition, the bulb may be positioned at a
location that directs light into the flexible strands, thus
illuminating the strands and creating an additional attractant for
the moths to enter into the volume.
[0021] In one embodiment, the strands are formed from a luminous or
light-reflective material. Luminous materials allow light to be
partially reflected and to partially pass through the material.
This gives the luminous material a soft glowing effect. A
light-reflective material generally reflects all light that hits
it. Alternatively, various optical effects can be created using
light-conductive strands. For example, if light is directed onto
the base of a fiber-optic type of strand, the light will be visible
at the tip ends of the strands, further drawing the insect into the
volume. The strands may also be arranged to direct or focus their
light onto a distant surface, such as the distant container wall,
thus providing yet another light lure for the insect. The opposite
approach may be used instead, where the flexible strands are clear
and not readily discernible to the insect. Thus, as will be
appreciated from the various approaches possible, the flexible
strands 30 can be formed from any of a number of known materials.
Example strands include, but are not limited to, nylon filaments,
hollow rubber tubes, polypropylene, Nylon, acrylic, and ethylene
vinyl acetate, etc. In most embodiments, particularly those for use
with moths, the flexible strands will be made of a nonmetal
material.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 6 is yet another embodiment of a trap
formed in accordance with the present invention. In this
embodiment, the light bulb is located within the volume and the
whisker assembly is circumferentially located between the upper and
lower portions. As will be appreciated from a reading of the above,
there are many different arrangements possible, within the scope of
the invention as claimed herein.
[0023] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, for some insect traps, it may
be helpful to use a timed attractant or a release mechanism to
control the intensity of the attractant's release. Such features
will in large part depend on the subject sought to be caught.
* * * * *